Orin Swift’s “The Prisoner” Proprietor’s Red Rating:  90 Pts,  Robert Parker, Jr. I love what he’s done with his 2008 The Prisoner, a blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono, and Grenache. With over 15% alcohol, this is a big, sexy, fruit bomb boasting abundant amounts of black, blue, and red fruits along with pepper, spice box, earth, and herbs. It tastes like the unmanipulated essence of the fruit of a Mediterranean vineyard. Soft tannins, medium to full body, and a heady mouthfeel make this a seductive wine to enjoy over the next 2-3 years....

Butting Heads Shiraz 2005 “Limited” Rating:  90+ Pts – Wine Advocate  Butting Heads is a negociant label owned by importer Jane Delaney. Her first Barossa Shiraz, sourced from a single vineyard at Krondorf, is a success. The 2005 Shiraz is opaque purple/black. It has a fragrant bouquet of pain grille, spice box, espresso, pepper, and blueberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, dense, structured wine with excellent concentration. At present the wine is monolithic, but 5-6 years in the cellar may result in additional complexity. It will drink well through 2025.  Only 200 cases produced!...

Their first vintage--157 cases of 1973 Chardonnay--was sold to Phil Faight of Groezinger's Wine Shop. He in turn sold to a small audience of premium wine drinkers who drove up from the Bay Area. Serves up an appealing mix of earthy citrus, ripe pear and green apple flavors that are well-focused and clean. Finishes with a rich aftertaste....

The 2004 Ardiles is composed of 45% Garnacha 34% Carinena, 18% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet. Dark, ruby-colored, it exhibits a fragrant nose of mineral, spice box, kirsch, raspberry and spring flower garden. Structured on the palate with excellent depth and concentration, it has layers of spicy fruit and terrific integration of oak, tannin and acid....

True to its Tuscan heritage, this wine has a beautiful core of strawberry and cherry that is complimented by delicate accents of spice, leather and vanilla. It has a supple texture and is beautifully balanced and will improve for several years to come....